Just the mention of Indonesia’s white-sand beaches and luminous turquoise waters triggers thoughts of the well-known hotspot, Bali. At least it did for me! But, you’ll have to venture way beyond Bali in order to explore the very remote Raja Ampat, who can definitely give Indonesia’s most popular island a serious run for its money.

It’s Very Remote.

Raja Ampat is an archipelago of over 1,500 islands and is one of the most isolated group of islands in the world, virtually untouched by touristy attractions and unbearable crowds. From Yogyakarta we took a bus, 2 planes, a ferry and a speed boat to reach the Raja Ampat Dive Lodge in Western Papau.

It was worth every minute traveled.

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Raja Ampat Bucket List: Best 7 Things to Do

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Most people come for the world-class diving, but if you do not scuba there are plenty of other reasons to travel this far.

1. Watch the Sunset…and Sunrise

Every evening I would walk to the end of the dock at the Raja Amapt Dive Lodge and dangle my feet over the edge in preparation for a show like no other. The sun would set creating a brilliant orange-red sky, while the only background noise was coming from the fish jumping in the sea. Sometimes local long boats would break up the colorful show that shined down on the water, casting a cool shadow that begged to be photographed.

The sunsets are spectacular, but don’t discount the sunrises. It will be worth waking up early for!

2. Snorkel at a Jetty

You don’t need to be a scuba diver to enjoy the underwater world of the Raja Ampat islands. Some of the best sea life can be seen right at the docks (aka: jetties), in less than ten feet of water.

Colorful parrotfish will parade by, cute little Nemos will hide in the plants  and starfish will cling to the rocks, plus brilliant coral is all right in front of your mask. Under the dock at Arborek Village schools of fish in the thousands sat in a cluster creating a thick wall. It’s hard to tell but that’s what’s right underneath me in the picture below. At the Raja Ampat Dive Lodge jetty, striped lionfish lackadaisically floated by and if you are lucky you could spot one of the waking sharks in the evening.

Many times you didn’t even need to get into the water to see the action. Just stand at the edge of the dock and look down.

3. Hike Piaynemo for a 5-Star View in Raja Ampat

Indonesia is filled with beautiful scenery, but for me none was more picturesque than the view from the top of Piaynemo Island in Raja Ampat. Pulling up to the small dock on the island, there was a set of stairs heading straight up into the forest.

These 318 steps (I counted!) were strenuous in the humid heat, but the view from the top was worth every single one. From the peak you can see an iconic karst island seascape, small islands surrounded by a dozen shades of brilliant turquoise. This million dollar view wasn’t my only reward, so was the fresh coconut juice waiting for me at the bottom. When I was there the vendor was selling them for 15,000 ($1.15 USD). Don’t tell him, but I would have paid 50,000!

It’s a million dollar view that will be etched in memory forever.

4. Walk on a Floating Sand Island

Pasir Timbul is a sand island in the middle of the ocean that can only be seen a few hours a day, when the tide is low. Don’t miss your chance!

If you come at the right time, you can walk with the soft white sand in between your toes while surrounded by a gradient of crystal blue water. But beware that it can get really hot, so double up on sunscreen.

Globe Trotting

 5. Feed the Fish at Sawinggrai

If you are not a get-in-the-water type of person, you don’t even need to get wet in order to interact with the colorful fish of Raja Ampat. Right on the dock of the tiny village of Sawinggrai the villagers will concoct a flour mixture that the fish just love. Simply sit at the end of the dock and watch as dozens swarm.

The village is also know for the iconic Cenderawasih bird, so try to break away from the fish for long enough to do a little bird watching.

6. Meet the Locals

One of the best things about Raja Ampat was walking through the villages and meeting the people who live there. No matter where I went the locals were warm and friendly.

Almost everyone greets you with an “Halo”.

In Arborek, an entourage of children followed as I walked through their town. They all struck a pose when I turned the camera on them, most flashing the peace sign with their fingers. And then they shyly giggled when I show them the photos. In Sawinggrai one little girl was a one man band pounding on the bottom of an old bucket while her sibling danced to the music. When they saw me watching, they briefly stopped, then carried on for their audience of one.